Leadership Overview
Excelsior University has 4 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, communications, and institutional leadership.
Committed to providing flexible online education for working adults, Excelsior University empowers students through accredited degree programs that balance professional and personal demands while fostering career advancement across diverse global industries.
Committed to providing flexible online education for working adults, Excelsior University empowers students through accredited degree programs that balance professional and personal demands while fostering career advancement across diverse global industries.
Leadership Roles at Excelsior University
John Pontius - Chief Financial Officer
John Pontius, the Chief Financial Officer at Excelsior University, directs all fiscal operations and long-term budgetary planning. Managing the financial health of the institution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures resources support the expansion of online degree programs for working adults. This leadership role involves overseeing capital allocation, auditing institutional spending, and maintaining the fiscal stability required for academic growth. By optimizing revenue streams and controlling operational costs, John Pontius directly impacts the ability of the university to provide affordable education. Pontius also collaborates with the Board to align financial goals with the broader mission of serving military and civilian students. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain high-quality educational resources, ultimately driving the long-term viability of the institution within the competitive higher education landscape.
David Schejbal - President
David Schejbal, the President at Excelsior University, architects the overarching strategic vision for the institution. Leading the executive team, the President drives initiatives focused on expanding access to high-quality online education for working adults and military personnel. This leadership role involves setting academic priorities, fostering partnerships with industry leaders, and ensuring the university meets the evolving needs of the modern workforce. By championing innovation in curriculum design, David Schejbal directly impacts the success of thousands of students pursuing degree completion. Schejbal also engages with the Board to maintain institutional excellence and long-term growth. Through decisive leadership, the President navigates the complexities of the higher education sector, ensuring the university remains a premier choice for flexible learning. Ultimately, Schejbal secures the future of the institution by prioritizing student outcomes and academic integrity.
Ruth Turman - President
Ruth Turman, the President at Excelsior University, manages the operational execution of academic policies and student support services. Overseeing the daily administration of the university, the President ensures that all online programs maintain rigorous accreditation standards. This leadership role involves streamlining administrative processes to better serve students balancing work, family, and education. By implementing efficient support systems, Ruth Turman directly impacts the retention and graduation rates of the student population. Turman also collaborates with faculty leadership to refine the delivery of over 30 disciplines, ensuring relevance in the current job market. Through focused operational management, the President enhances the overall student experience and strengthens the institutional commitment to accessibility. Ultimately, Turman drives organizational efficiency, allowing the university to scale its impact while maintaining the high quality of education expected by adult learners.
Erin Coufal - Chief Communications Officer
Erin Coufal, the Chief Communications Officer at Excelsior University, manages all internal and external messaging strategies. Overseeing brand identity and public relations, the Chief Communications Officer ensures consistent communication across all digital platforms to reach prospective students. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the flexibility and quality of online degree programs. By coordinating marketing campaigns and media outreach, Erin Coufal directly impacts the visibility of the university in the competitive education market. Coufal also works closely with academic departments to translate complex educational offerings into accessible information for working adults. Through strategic messaging, the Chief Communications Officer builds trust with the student body and strengthens the reputation of the institution. Ultimately, Coufal drives engagement by articulating the value of the educational experience to diverse audiences seeking career advancement.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Excelsior University Top Executives and Leadership Team
